What Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
It’s a type of decorative finish where instead of a smooth, brushed surface, you see and feel the textured surface of embedded stones.
How It Looks: Pebbled or stony texture. Natural stone colors and patterns. Can range from subtle to bold, depending on the type and size of aggregate used.
How It’s Made (Basic Process): Concrete is poured as normal. While still wet, the top layer of cement paste is removed using one of several techniques: Water washing Surface retarders Sandblasting The aggregate underneath is exposed and then cleaned and sealed.
Benefits of Exposed Aggregate Concrete:
- Unique appearance Offers a decorative, natural stone look without added materials.
- Slip-resistant The rough texture provides excellent traction — ideal for pool decks or sloped areas.
- Durable Withstands weather, heavy use, and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Low maintenance Easy to clean, especially when sealed.
- Customizable You can choose aggregate color, size, and pattern for a custom look.
Maintenance Tips: Seal it regularly (every 2–3 years) to protect from stains and enhance color. Sweep and rinse it to remove debris and prevent buildup. Avoid harsh de-icing salts, especially in the first winter.
Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative style of concrete suitable for use as a driveway, sidewalk or patio. The appeal is in the finish, which exposes the smooth textured small stones and pebbles that are part of the concrete. This is in contrast to a smooth concrete finish, where the visible surface is primarily composed of the ‘fines’ within the concrete.
Exposed aggregate provides some visual interest by creating random patterns, and a variety of colours. It also creates an attractive, low maintenance and non-slip surface for your driveway, patio and walkways.
Exposed aggregate can be placed virtually anywhere. The result is a uniquely beautiful look that compares to no other. The best part of all, exposed aggregate concrete has all of the desired characteristics of regular concrete: durability, strength, and flexibility. Beauty and low maintenance – there is nothing else one could ask for!
Pricing
Please note we do have a One Year Warranty. If your repair falls within this time period there will be no charge. For those repairs that are over the One Year Warrantee a charge will be applicable.